Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in this YA fantasy series. I really enjoyed the continuation in this universe. It’s very well written, the author does a great job with the character and story development which really draws you into the story.
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cecily in the City is Book Three in The Cecily Taylor Series. It is a beautifully written YA Romance story centering around Cecily Taylor who has been relentlessly pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. Cecily has finally landed a role in a daytime soap opera, is living in the city, and has a pop star boyfriend so life should be perfect. The only problem is that her life in the limelight comes with a price and a whole lot of drama. Will Cecily be able to cope with her new life being so out in the open for others to judge and gossip about?
This was a great read that gives you a bit of an eye-opener about what life can be like for someone who is in the spotlight. Life behind the scenes may not be all sunshine and lollipops, which Cecily quickly learned. The story flowed nicely, the storyline was intriguing, and the characters are lovable and relatable. Cecily is smart, determined, genuine and down-to-earth so she is easy to root for. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this! I read the first 2 in this series and this one didn’t disappoint! Lots of twists and turns that I didn’t expect. I love Wilf’s and Myra’s characters. Both have been on journeys of self discovery and in this book they discover a lot about themselves. It’s a fantastic book; well written and can’t wait to see what else this author has in store for us.
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and she alway knows how to keep you on your toes. This is the third book of the very addictive series The Cecily Taylor. I don’t think you should read these books as stand alones because they all collide together. I was so excited to read this book that I stopped everything and started to read it right away. You can’t help but to fall in love with this character. I could not put this book down until the end. I can’t wait to see what this character will do next?
Cecily is so excited to move into the best city where her pop boyfriend Andrew lives. She has finally landed a part in a major soap opera. Cecily is offered a role in another’s music stars video and she takes it. She did the video to get her name out there even more but she didn’t expect all the crazy rumors though. Cecily is starting to feel like maybe the Big City might not be for her. Will Cecily get her big break or will she have to start all over?
Review by @heatherbass
View all my reviews
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even though I am way, way past the intended age of YA reader, I really enjoyed this book and I think anyone any age would be the same. This wonderful author had me captivated by these wonderful characters and a storyline which kept me turning page after page. This is a new author for me and I will definitely be back for more. In fact I found this series with book 3 so I will be going back and reading the first two books for sure.
This is my first audiobook by this author which I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I enjoyed how the narrator used different tones to make the story engaging. They had me coming back for more, just to see what would happen next. It is a story about a woman who takes you on a journey of compassion, respect and loyalty. There is an entertaining value to this story that makes it easy to listen to. This is one of my favorite audiobooks. I highly recommend this audio book
Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Talks Like Thunder is Book One in the Red With Native Blood Series. It is set in the Arizona Territory in 1871 and tells the story of a seven-year-old Apache girl named Talks Like Thunder. She is suddenly uprooted from all that she knows by her estranged grandfather from the Chiricahua village. As she grows and matures into a young woman, she has the desire to prove herself and transforms herself into a fierce warrior. When she is taken captive by US soldiers, she vows to seek revenge.
Talks Like Thunder is a beautifully written, poignant, and moving story about a young Apache girl who perseveres no matter what challenges come her way. The storyline is compelling, the scenes are vividly described and immerse you fully into the story, and the characters are well developed. Talks Like Thunder is strong, smart, kind, gentle, determined, and a fierce warrior. Changing environments, and even time spent in captivity, did not break her spirit. This was an amazing story with Indigenous American history, beliefs, and culture, and full of raw emotions that will have you reaching for a Kleenex. I highly recommend this beautiful and thought-provoking novella.
Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
This book is the second in the series, and a great continuation of the story. It was an easy book to engage with and I found myself picking up the story with no effort, as though I had read it straight after the first. I was excited to see where the author would take the story next.
I thought the characters were all interesting. They each had a part to play I loved how every one developed. The author has a detailed way of writing. It was easy to visualise what was being described and, for me, that made the book more interesting to read. I thought this was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I am looking forward to the next one.
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story follows Cecily and Andrew. Andrew is a pop star and Cecily is an actress. She was excited when she got to move to the city for a job on a soap opera. This meant she could be closer to Andrew. But she quickly learns, this business isn’t for the faint of heart. Will Cecily make it?
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cecily in the City (The Cecily Taylor Series Book 3) by Krysten Lindsay Hager. This is such a good series. I have loved each book and this was no different. We continue to follow Cecily as she tries to pursue her goal in life to be an actress. She also has a boyfriend who is famous himself and during this story Cecily begins to enjoy fame as well. Along with getting her foot in the door and making a name for herself she also loses Andrew her boyfriend. Cecily has never had to do things on her own so she is scared but determined. Cecily is only 17 but seems older because of the life she has led so far and she’s not going to let the fact that she lost her boyfriend ruin her dreams. This is a fun young adult read but even I as an adult really enjoyed it.
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ Teen Wizard Returns ~
First of all, if you haven’t read the first two book in this series, you will definitely want to pick them up!!! C. B. Lyall is such a unique author that tells stories in a way that just sits you right down in the plot and takes you along for the journey. You really feel like you’re in the adventure right along with Wilf, and finding things out as he does. This is the perfect YA for anyone who enjoys Magic, coming of age stories, family drama, or finding identity overtures.
Wilf continues in his quest to be finally free from all the magic that seems to be unwilling to let him go. Unfortunately it looks like he will not be able to return to his “Normal” life as he would wish it to be. What I love about the third book in the series, is watching Wilf attempt to control the magic that he hates, in order to possibly be rid of it for good. It brings up a lot of conflicting feeling for the reader, especially if you err on the side of enjoying magic LOL.
When Wilf finds a piece of the shattered Mages Crystal, he starts to question so many things. The biggest heartbreak is watching Wilf’s affection for Katryna come into question. Their love story is so cute and sweet to watch unfold, and now I’m finding everything I loved about them come into question.
Overall there are so many choices Wilf has had to make. Watching him struggle through forever abandoning his dream to return to “normal” or allowing magic and Katryna to perish *sad*.
Thank you to the author for this incredibly fun series, and sharing it with the world. Lovely characters, fully dynamic quests in a very streamlined easy to understand world, and just wonderfully exciting to read!
Review by @taylorkstephenson
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Teenage Wilf only wants to be a teenager, live a normal life in Hong Kong, and play soccer but gets thrust suddenly into the world of magic. He is on the adventure of a lifetime when he is called upon to use his magic. Witches and wizards are along for the ride as he finds himself in the realm of magic which was once divided between the two and now everyone are Mages. Traveling through dark and foggy forests to save his love Katryna and the other witches, he meets many other incredible characters along the way. I love how all the characters have distinct personalities and come to life off the pages, but my favorite must be the cranky witch Ermentrude. The adventures that Wilf takes are incredible through the three books in this series and I highly recommend reading them from the beginning. Who doesn’t want to be a magical being and have fairy tale adventures. The book is well written and easy to read and full of fun. The settings are so well written that I can almost feel the fog swirling around my legs and the damp and drafty air of the old workshops and buildings. I can hear the Watchers as they come crashing in the dark and can totally see myself fighting to do the right thing just like Wilf himself. Definitely a must read for those YA readers who love magic, adventure, and a hero that you can get behind and cheer for!
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Talks Like Thunder is the first Novella in the Red With Native Blood series. This is a wonderfully written story of Dessert Flower and her journey to become Talks like Thunder. The first word that comes to mind is Beautiful, even though there is a lot of sadness in this story that will bring tears to your eyes in many parts, it is sadly the realistic truth of the of what happened to the native people. Being native myself I felt this book was written so well and truthful in so many ways, with great detail to the ways of the people, and all things that are important to us. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the next.
This was a hard story to listen to. I generally don’t listen or read historical stories. But this one caught my interest. I am happy I took the time to listen to the story. A story told by a young child of seven. Talks Like Thunder is a remarkably strong young child who had to grow up fast. Her family had been taken from her, then a strange man comes along claiming to be her grandfather. Taking her to a new reservation, where she knows nobody. But that is just the beginning for Talks Like Thunder. Her story is told well and the authors knew their history. While this story was heartbreaking. I felt like I was sitting close by watching and listening. The authors, while new to me, I will be looking for more from them. I am interested to see where they take this series.
Review@cinful
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although this story is a quick read, there is a ton of detail and life to follow. Krysten did a great job opening the imagination of YA and even me as an adult. I wish I would’ve read the beginning of the series so I could follow it better but the book does a great standalone job. Follow Cecily in her path to stardom and the struggles she faces to keep a normal life. Will life change and will she realize the issues in stardom or will everything be perfect? Read and find out!
Secrets of the Sorcery War: An Epic YA Fantasy by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Secrets of the Sorcery War is the second book in the Ruarnon Trilogy and Elise’s second book. It is a YA fantasy tale. The adventure continues on from the first book Manipulator’s War.
As with the first book it was hard for me to fully engage in the story because it was a bit choppy meaning the story didn’t flow as seamlessly as it could have. Elise’s is a very vivid storyteller however at times the story became bogged down with too much information. It is good to see that Elise’s writing has grown from Manipulators War and I expect that I will see more growth in the next book as she settles into her writing style and develop her storytelling.
Ruanon, Linh and the gang are back to sail the seas and to face off with a sorcerer-king Nartzeer. To find out if he is evil or not you will have to read it for yourself.
Elise has created intriguing LBGTQ+ all-inclusive characters. With the MC’s being asexual and nonbinary. This story has action and adventure, things that go bump in the night, murder and mayhem, myths and lore, assassins and magic, drama and sorcerers and more.
I look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy Land of the Clouded. If you love adventure stories, then take a chance on this YA trilogy.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
WOW!
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Novellas and is an intense and emotional YA, Native American tale that will tear at your heartstrings, make your heartache and will brand your soul.
This powerfully written historical tale shows the passion and understanding of the subject by these two amazing co-authors. That Randal picked up the threads of the tale and finished Marjorie’s work is a testament to their friendship.
This complex and moving story is one that is hard to put down and will stay in your thoughts long after you have turned the last page.
The characters are hard to forget. The character of Thunder is a true wonder. She is strong, she is a warrior, she has grit, and I was with her every step of the way.
Talks Like Thunder transports us back to a time where the harshness and realities of life for Native Americans comes to life.
I absolutely cannot wait to get a hold of the next two books.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 Stars
Secrets of the Sorcery War is the second instalment in the Raurnon Trilogy by Elise Carlson. This continues the adventure we started in Book One, so I highly recommend reading the previous book before starting on this one as the first book contains important information, character introductions, backstory, and other relevant details that you really should know in order to fully appreciate this second instalment.
This is a YA LGBTQ+ action-adventure fantasy with a non-binary MC, challenges, drama, secrets, magic, a quest, and high stakes.
Ruarnon (and co) are about to be challenged like never before as they face off against a formidable foe- the sorcerer king. But things aren’t going to be straight-forward- bit first they will need to find the right allies for the quest. Let the adventure begin. What ensues makes for an interesting read.
Although I was a little more ‘settled’ in this story than I was in the first, I still wasn’t as immersed and invested as I would have liked to have been. I still haven’t fully connected with the character/s, which then made it difficult to fully appreciate them and the outcome of their story. The story does lag and drag a bit in parts, and was also quite ‘wordy’ too, which made for some slow-going reading. Again, I found my attention wandering, but not as much as the first book, as I had to keep reminding myself to stay focused on what was happening. There is also a lot of detail, which is great in part, because it helped me to visualize everything- but I felt that there were times that the descriptions were a bit of an over-kill and became more like an info dump. Some elements were over-detailed, and other aspects that I felt were more relevant seemed almost skirted over. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy this book, more than the first, and I’m interested to see how things will play out in ‘Land of the Clouded Sky’, the third and final book in the trilogy- as maybe everything will final ‘fall into place’ for me there.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Elise Carlson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a quick to read YA story that is engaging and entertaining. Cecily was a great character to read about and I thought she was really relatable, despite being a YA character. I think the author has done a great job of portraying the angst and drama of a young adult. It is exactly like the feeling I remember when I was of that age.
The story itself was well written. It is an easy read and perfect for an afternoon of reading. I enjoyed the fact we could see more of this characters development. I hope we get to see more installations of her journey still.
The Vassal of Magic by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wilf has had so much happen in the last two books, that this third and final book brings so much to an interesting ending. He basically has to choose between going back to Earth, or stay in the magic realm, and help keep magic alive. He has to go through a lot of adventures to find his way, figure out his destiny, his magic, and figure out his love for Katryna. This was a great third book for the trilogy. Thank you for all you did for this trilogy!
Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story continues the adventures of The Manipulator’s War. If you are into stories that include the LGBTQ+ genre and love the YA fantasy adventure, you’ll enjoy this. Ruanon, Linh and the others are so well-written. I can’t say they are relatable but you do feel their challenges. The adventure and drama they face keep you involved in the story until the very end. That’s what keeps the story intriguing.
Secrets of the Sorcery War by Elise Carlson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this fantasy book. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story where the characters take you on an adventure across the sea, to rescue people from a king that may not be as bad as they say. An adventure that is non stop and kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world. They are connectable and strong characters that had to the stories entertainment value for sure. They have great growth throughout the story which makes it easy to read. What happens in this story is something you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Secrets of the Sorcery War (Ruarnon Trilogy Book 2) by Elise Carlson
Elise Carlson (they/them) is an Aussie who graduated from playing imaginary games in their extensive backyard to writing YA Fantasy. In between educating energetic, enthusiastic minds as excited about life as they are —children— and adventures in Europe, North America, South-East Asia and locally, Elise enjoys writing adventures and epic conflicts for the young and young at heart.
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Talks Like Thunder is the first book in the Red With Native Blood Series by Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter. This historical fiction story is an emotional and thought-provoking read full of Native American history, culture, and beliefs – with topics such as captivity, tension, pain, dedication, determination, spirit, revenge, family, honor, respect, and much more, this proved to be a raw and emotive read.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book, but it is so different to what I normally read, I thought I’d change things up a bit by plunging in and meeting Talks Like Thunder. She definitely has a tale to tell- and I am really glad I changed things up by taking a chance on this book. It really was worth the read.
I really recommend diving into this powerful, raw and emotive story without knowing too much about it, and let the author/s, the characters, and the story surprise you.
I see there are more books in this series, and I will definitely be adding them to my TBR to explore asap.
Well worth the read.
Happy Reading…
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cecily in the City is the third book in the Cecily Taylor series by Krysten Lindsay Hager. This story follows Cecily as she continues to try and pursue her career as an actress and navigate her relationship with her famous boyfriend however this time, after a series of unexpected events, she finds herself navigating the complexity of show biz life in New York City. I really enjoyed this book however there were times when it made me so frustrated, I really wanted to knock the characters heads together, however this is a sign of good writing as it made me so emotional. Cecily is a lovable character however I am so pleased to see her growing as an adult. I found that I really wanted to know more when I got to the end of this book, especially the comeuppance of a certain character. I would recommend this to readers who are looking for a sweet young adult story with likable main characters and wonderful supporting ones. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Talks Like Thunder: Red With Native Blood: Novella One by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an amazing novella of Desert Flower’s journey. This really is a book that will grab your attention. I was intrigued at how she started off her life and how strong she became. She is a true warrior spirit. The writing is so flowing and relatable that you can’t put it down. I found that I had to finish it. All of the characters are well-written from Grey Fox to those in the tribe. They all grew to mesh well, as a family should. This is about a young, indigenous girl that becomes a strong young woman. She overcomes a lot and finds her family. It’s a must read story.
Talks Like Thunder by Randal Nerhus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author. It is a historical story that is inspirational. A story about a woman who takes you on a journey of compassion, respect and loyalty. It is a story that brought a lot of emotion and had me coming back for more. I enjoyed watching the characters grow from the beginning. They pulled me into their world with ease and kept my attention to the end. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. There is an entertaining value to this story that made it easy to read. I found this book to be well written and a roller coaster ride. I really enjoyed this book and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
༻ ༺BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ༻ ༺
Arizona Territory, 1871. Seven-year-old Talks Like Thunder can’t imagine life outside of her Apache family. So after both her parents succumb to deadly disease, her heart is ripped in two when her estranged grandfather takes her to his Chiricahua village. And as she blossoms into a young woman, her extraordinary insights into ancient mystical beliefs transform her into a fierce warrior.
Preparing to defend their sacred land from invading White men, the driven protector falls for a fellow fighter and his words of a brighter future. But when their tribe is captured by U.S. soldiers, Thunder’s years in captivity fuel her to return to those she loves and take revenge on those who stole her innocence.
Meticulously completed posthumously, author Randal Nerhus has lovingly curated Marjorie Carter’s remarkable fictional account of one woman’s journey of compassion, loyalty, and respect for the earth. Through three interconnected tales, Talks Like Thunder’s struggle to retain the dignity and freedom integral to her centuries-old culture serves as a reminder of the spiritual strength revealed in Indigenous American history.
If you like authentic historical backdrops, empowered female protagonists, and triumphs of the human spirit, then you’ll love Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter’s awe-inspiring odyssey.
Buy Talks Like Thunder to dive into a powerful past today!
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie CarterClick here to experience a Chapter Reading for Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter
Marjorie Carter was born in Salem, Missouri, on July 17, 1937. Of Cherokee descent, she learned the traditional ways of her relatives from early childhood. During the eighth grade, she was forced to leave school to work and provide for her younger brothers. At the age of nineteen, she moved to Texas and began her careers in the restaurant and real estate businesses. During her life, she was diagnosed with seven different cancers and fought against melanoma for 25 years. A Native American seer and shaman, she had a passion for art, poetry, and stories. She wrote at her ranch near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, hoping that Red With Native Blood would help reservation students embrace their heritage. Marjorie died of pneumonia on July 12, 2004.
Randal Nerhus received a BS in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State University in 1982, and an MA in Oriental Philosophy and Religion from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1988. Shortly after obtaining his agriculture degree, he volunteered with the Peace Corps in the Philippines. While traveling in the mountains on the island of Palawan, he visited a remote tribal village and encountered a very different way of life—one of community, contentment, happiness, and love. Fifteen years later, his interest in tribal traditions deepened while taking part in a ManKind Project initiation that used native approaches to bring men into a life of integrity. In 2002, Marjorie Carter took him under her shamanic guidance which complemented and expanded upon his early Christian foundations. From 2013 to 2016, he lived in Colombia’s Amazon jungle studying under Cocama shaman don Rogelio Cariguasari, and relevant parts of that experience were incorporated into the novel.
༻ ༺AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ༻ ༺
Arizona Territory, 1871. Seven-year-old Talks Like Thunder can’t imagine life outside of her Apache family. So after both her parents succumb to deadly disease, her heart is ripped in two when her estranged grandfather takes her to his Chiricahua village. And as she blossoms into a young woman, her extraordinary insights into ancient mystical beliefs transform her into a fierce warrior.
Preparing to defend their sacred land from invading White men, the driven protector falls for a fellow fighter and his words of a brighter future. But when their tribe is captured by U.S. soldiers, Thunder’s years in captivity fuel her to return to those she loves and take revenge on those who stole her innocence.
Meticulously completed posthumously, author Randal Nerhus has lovingly curated Marjorie Carter’s remarkable fictional account of one woman’s journey of compassion, loyalty, and respect for the earth. Through three interconnected tales, Talks Like Thunder’s struggle to retain the dignity and freedom integral to her centuries-old culture serves as a reminder of the spiritual strength revealed in Indigenous American history.
If you like authentic historical backdrops, empowered female protagonists, and triumphs of the human spirit, then you’ll love Randal Nerhus and Marjorie Carter’s awe-inspiring odyssey.
Buy Talks Like Thunder to dive into a powerful past today!
Marjorie Carter was born in Salem, Missouri, on July 17, 1937. Of Cherokee descent, she learned the traditional ways of her relatives from early childhood. During the eighth grade, she was forced to leave school to work and provide for her younger brothers. At the age of nineteen, she moved to Texas and began her careers in the restaurant and real estate businesses. During her life, she was diagnosed with seven different cancers and fought against melanoma for 25 years. A Native American seer and shaman, she had a passion for art, poetry, and stories. She wrote at her ranch near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, hoping that Red With Native Blood would help reservation students embrace their heritage. Marjorie died of pneumonia on July 12, 2004.
Randal Nerhus received a BS in Agricultural Studies from Iowa State University in 1982, and an MA in Oriental Philosophy and Religion from Banaras Hindu University, India, in 1988. Shortly after obtaining his agriculture degree, he volunteered with the Peace Corps in the Philippines. While traveling in the mountains on the island of Palawan, he visited a remote tribal village and encountered a very different way of life—one of community, contentment, happiness, and love. Fifteen years later, his interest in tribal traditions deepened while taking part in a ManKind Project initiation that used native approaches to bring men into a life of integrity. In 2002, Marjorie Carter took him under her shamanic guidance which complemented and expanded upon his early Christian foundations. From 2013 to 2016, he lived in Colombia’s Amazon jungle studying under Cocama shaman don Rogelio Cariguasari, and relevant parts of that experience were incorporated into the novel.
Cecily in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 3rd book in the series didn’t disappoint. First of all, this is a YA book. I have read the other books and I think it helps to have read them in order. The books are definitely written for a teen audience. They are sweet young romance stories full of misunderstandings, angst, hormones, worry, anxiety, and all those things young people go through.
The author as usual did a fantastic job of world building and writing in such a way that makes young people interested in reading more. Cecily thinks she’s living the dream but soon finds out that the world of show business can be vicious and ruthless. I was happy to see Cecily grow in this book and start to really find her strength. She needs to be strong in a field that can be very dangerous. Looking forward to the next installment of the series.